Abstract
Proflavine binds with DNA in a complicated manner. This work involves the electrochemical study of this interaction using differential pulse voltammetry at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) and alternating current voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). At the CPE the peak current intensity at 1.0 V (corresponding to the oxidation of the guanine residues) decreased by increasing the concentration of proflavine. At the HMDE, a decrease in the current intensity of the DNA peak at − 1.2 V (corresponding to segmental desorption) was also observed by increasing the concentration of proflavine. These results confirmed, electrochemically, that proflavine intercalates within the DNA double helix and changes its conformation.
This paper is part of the 03ED835 research project, implemented within the framework of the “Reinforcement Programme of Human Research Manpower” (PENED) and co-financed by National and Community Funds (25% from the Greek Ministry of Development-General Secretariat of Research and Technology and 75% from E.U.-European Social Fund).